a sand-pail picnic.
Didn't you say your coat-of-arms was a sand-pail?"

"Yes, that's the Emblem of the Club."

"And a fine emblem for a picnic. We'll have pails of sandwiches and
cakes, and a pail of lemonade, and a pail of ice cream. How's that for
emblems?"

"Fine!" said King. "Shall I invite the guests?"

"Yes, my boy. Tell them to assemble here at three o'clock, and we'll
depart at once. Tell them all to wear red, white, and blue in honor of
the day."

"And do we catch firecrackers?"

"Little ones,--and torpedoes. But no cannon crackers or cap-pistols or
bombs or any firearms. I'm not going to have a hospitalful of gunpowder
victims on my hands the next day."

"And now," said Mrs. Maynard, "as these wonderful affairs of the nation
seem to be all settled, I think you young patriots must skip to bed.
Your father and I would like a few words ourselves with these guests of
ours."

"Guests of _ours_," corrected Midget, gayly. "Cousin Jack says he's
never going to grow up!"'

But after lingering good-nights, the brother and sister, arm in arm,
went into the house.

"Aren't they dandies!" exclaimed King, as they went upstairs.

"Gay!" agreed Marjorie. "Won't we have fun on the Fourth! Oh, I was _so_
surprised to see them, weren't you, King?"

"Yep. The Craigs will like Cousin Jack, won't they?"

"Yes, indeed, and Hester, too. Good-night, King."

"Good-night, Mopsy Midget. Here!" and as a final compliment, King pulled
off her hair-ribbon and handed it to her with a dancing-school bow.

Marjorie gave his hair an affectionate tweak, and with these
good-natured attentions they parted.

CHAPTER VII

THE GLORIOUS FOURTH

The sun rose early on Fourth of July morning. For he knew many patriotic
young hearts were beating with impatience for the great day to begin.
Moreover, he rose clear and bright, and yet he didn't shine down too
hotly for the comfort of those same young people. In fact, it was a
perfect summer day.

Marjorie sprang out of bed and began to dress, with glad anticipations.
The Bryants were to spend the day at Maynard Manor, until time for the
afternoon picnic, and after the picnic came the reception at Bryant
Bower.

Midget put on a fresh white pique, and tied up her mop of curls with
wide bows of red, white, and blue ribbon.

When all ready she went dancing downstairs, pausing on her way to tap at
King's door.

"All ready, Kinksie?" she called out.

"In a minute, Mops. Wai